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[GrahamK]

Hi all,
I need a bit of help with an Insignia headlamp connector which I broke when removing the headlamp. I've got a replacement that came with a cut off connector still attached. Great I thought!
However, the cable tails are a little too short to extend so I would like to extract the cables and contacts from this plug and put the ones on my car back in. I will then end up with a working plug.
Problem is, I can't get them out. I've tried squeezing the contacts and pulling the wire (and contact) out of the rear and also tried to pull them out of the front but nothing is moving. Does anyone know how these work?

https://i.postimg.cc/WpZDCcFX/headlamp-connector-front.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/XvFS3LfS/headlamp-connector-rear.jpg

Thanks for looking.

Graham.

[Nick W]

The terminals have a small lug sticking out that latches into the connector.


If you look down through the mating joint with a light(and maybe a magnifying glass), you'll see it. This needs to be moved back before pushing the terminal back out of the connector. A fine pick, jeweller's screwdriver or specific tool is needed to do this.


You might find it easier to buy new terminals for this job; they're dirt cheap, and easy to fit.


Or you could de-pin your damaged plug, and fit them into the replacement without modifying the wiring.

[GrahamK]

Thanks Nick,

That makes sense. there's not a lot of space within the plug to see, but now I know they come out backwards, it helps a lot.
De-pinning the broken plug and re-inserting the wires and connectors into the new one is exactly what I would ideally like to do.

Graham.

[Doctor Gollum]

https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/amtech-precision-phone-computer-repair-tool-set-17pc-553774310

Starter for 10...

[GrahamK]

Thanks for the link Doc, I'll have a look at that if I can't find what I need at home.

[Nick W]

Something like this LINK, but as cheap as you can find is more useful. I've seen them in Poundland, or the other budget shops.

[Enceladus]

Even the smallest of the jewellers screwdrivers might be too fat for some connectors. Try an 0.8mm or maybe 1.0mm watchmakers screwdriver, a 0.8mm or maybe a 1.0mm drill bit or the pin tool you get with a mobile phone to remove the micro sim tray, since you likely already have one. They're around 0.8/0.9mm.

The wire with terminal attached is removed to the rear. The release tool might need to be inserted from the front probably on the inboard side.

[Doctor Gollum]

You can buy depinning tools.

You just need to get the correct ones for the types of pin you are removing, because not all pins are the same

[Nick W]

You can buy depinning tools.

You just need to get the correct ones for the types of pin you are removing, because not all pins are the same

I bought THESE about 15 years ago. Having tried them on various Ford, Vauxhall, Rover and other connectors since I would suggest that anyone considering them(or similar) should send me a tenner instead. You'll get better value, and I'll have a couple of beers.


I always go back to a fine pick or jewellers screwdriver.

[Enceladus]

duplicated